Interneuron cell transplants to reduce seizures
An Interneuron-based Cell Therapy for Epilepsy
Looks at whether transplanting pig-derived inhibitory brain cells into the hippocampus can lower seizures for people with hard-to-treat epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306083 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's viewpoint, researchers are working with inhibitory brain cells (interneurons) grown from pig embryos and transplanting them into the hippocampus of animal models to see if the new cells join brain circuits and stop seizures. They will optimize how the cells are delivered and use video-EEG, electrophysiology, optogenetics, and calcium imaging to watch the cells' activity and effects on seizures. Behavioral tests in rodents will check whether seizure-related problems and other behaviors improve. The team aims to generate data supporting steps toward testing this approach in larger animals and, eventually, human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The approach would most likely be aimed at adults with focal, medication-resistant epilepsy who are considering experimental or advanced therapies.
Not a fit: People with generalized epilepsy, those who respond well to standard medications, or pediatric patients may not benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could become a one-time, disease-modifying therapy that reduces seizures and related cognitive or behavioral problems for people with intractable epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies using mouse-derived interneurons have successfully reduced seizures in rodent models, while using pig-derived cells and translating to larger species is a newer, less-tested step.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baraban, Scott C — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Baraban, Scott C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.